Frederic Parker Poet Free verse

Lost Reverence

The rage of a Father
held a razor strap swung without mercy
on the tender flesh of his five-year-old son
balled up on the cold kitchen floor
of torn linoleum
covered in warm drops of water
from frightened eyes of innocence

Each lash struck turned the flesh bright red
causing his back and legs to well up

The broken trust between a father and son
will never return, cruelty brings its own stain
not to be forgiven

The soul shattered, branded for life
from anger and insanity
will leave a cold separation with humanity
a deep shade of mistrust and sorrow
from a father who left the numb body of his son
lying in a pool of shapeless tears
that will never dry

6/19/21 contest The Shape of Water
sponsor Craig Cornish

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Sean Kibble June 28, 2021 at 11:54 PM I hope you forgave him - I know I have - great write - ouch it hurts

Mystic Rose Rose June 26, 2021 at 2:25 PM You severed my heart with this deep cutting edge story of a child in need. Congratulations Frederic, on your 3rd place, its a well deserved win, keep well :)

Unseeking Seeker June 25, 2021 at 8:49 PM Powerful. Such trauma is difficult to heal and yet, softened by time and enlivened by love, we move on. Congrats on your win, Frederic

Daniel Turner June 19, 2021 at 10:54 AM I noticed very young, anger and discipline is something to fear. I used to make the joke, that I received so many whippings as a child, if I did not get one every two or three days I would go ask for one because i knew if I waited too long, the next one was gonna be a bad one. I am pretty sure any young man of our generation will relate to this one. I certainly did, Frederic. I guess joking about it is the way I learned to handle it.

Rama Balasubramanian June 19, 2021 at 10:39 AM Well written! You described the situation perfectly. All the best for contest

L Milton Hankins June 19, 2021 at 9:45 AM I can't thank you enough for writing this, Frederic. It was so meaningful to me. These words stung: "The broken trust between a father and son will never return, cruelty brings its own stain not to be forgiven." And still I have tried to forgive....many times over these years.

Heidi Sands June 19, 2021 at 8:02 AM This is so powerful and heartbreaking. It gave me chills. I know exactly how childhood trauma can have lasting impact on someone's life. You have brought the reader right to the core of this situation. Well written Frederic. I hope you have a nice weekend :)